Extensive Wheat Freeze Damage in Southern Plains

source: Progressive Farmer

Countless farmers in Oklahoma and Kansas are walking through fields of winter wheat -- much of it off to a good start from plentiful fall moisture -- and counting their dead, reports theProgressive Farmer.

Extension agents and crop scientists from Oklahoma State and Kansas State Universities conducted mini crop tours over the past week and found extensive damage where night temperatures have plunged below freezing.

"I would guess well over 50% of the state's wheat was affected," Kansas State University wheat and forages specialist Romulo Lollato toldProgressive Farmer.

Growers with damaged fields now face the decision to destroy fields to plant a spring crop or take them to harvest.